Bronx State Senator Ruben Diaz put out one of his “What You Need To Know” missives this morning, and in it he pulled back the curtain (or tried to, at least) on some of the behind-the-scenes machinations going on with the redistricting process, and told aspiring lawmakers not to measure the drapes of their Capital Hill offices quite yet.

Using a Victorian literary device, Mr. Diaz writes:

You should know, dear reader, that for months there have been negotiations between people of different communities and different ethnic groups horse-trading about elected offices and how the newly drawn district lines will impact their lives: “You go here and I’ll go there,” and “You can take this seat and I’ll take that seat.” They’ve been trading and negotiating all kinds of positions, based upon the expectations, that the new congressional district lines will be suited to their personal interests, egos, whims and desires. Read More